2009 in review: The Ducks led the Pac-10 in rushing in 2009, because with Chip Kelly running the offense, that’s what they do. When you have four 1,000-yard rushers in three years, and shuffle through quarterbacks the way Oregon has since Kelly joined the staff in 2007, you chalk some of that up to system. But the Ducks’ flashy image under Kelly belies their true nature as a bruising offensive unit, led by a series of talented offensive linemen. Turnover at the position led to some inevitable growing pains early in 2009, but the UO offense ultimately ran for more than 3,000 yards in 13 games, and not just because of the talents of LaMichael James and Jeremiah Masoli.

The opener at Boise State was disastrous all the way around. Starting running back LeGarrette Blount needed room to get going, and the young line couldn’t provide it, the Ducks finishing with 31 yards on 17 attempts. Oregon went for 193 yards the next week against Purdue, however, and then James got going in the nonleague finale against Utah for 152 yards, and the running game was no longer an issue. To be sure, the elusiveness of James and Masoli helped Oregon’s rushing numbers, and kept sack totals down, too. But considering where the offensive line started the season, the group’s progress and level of play by the end of the year was commendable.

The starting five made 63 of a possible 65 starts, with Asper and Kaiser each missing one start. The Ducks famously entered 2009 with one of the greenest lines in the BCS at 20 combined career starts, but that number is now up to a robust 83. Cody and Weems also played quite a bit off the bench, grooming them for more future playing time.

Entering spring drills: For the returning starters, there’s little to prove. They need to get some work in this spring to stay sharp, and above all avoid injury. Between Thran’s knee problems and Kaiser’s ankle issues over the last couple of years, the starting tackles have battled their share of injuries, and their ability to stay healthy through the fall is probably the biggest concern for the starting five. A year ago, Cody and Weems played a ton in the spring due to injuries elsewhere, and it won’t be surprising to see more of the same this April, as they continue to compile practice reps and wait to eventually take over as starters.

Of particular interest will be the depth chart behind Holmes at center, and the progress of last season’s redshirts. When Holmes suffered an ankle injury in the Rose Bowl, Forer took over for one drive; will the sturdy walk-on remain the primary backup, or can Armstrong challenge for that designation? Will Cody and Weems remain the primary reserves at guard and tackle, or will Carmichael make a push? What kind of impact can Clanton have, the JC transfer having enrolled in January? Will Burrell or Benyard realize some of his considerable promise and push for a spot on the two-deep? When the starting five returns intact, those are the kinds of questions to be answered in the spring.

The bottom line: The Ducks appear to be in fine shape for the 2010 season based on all the talent and experience they return on the offensive line. Their task has become more difficult due to the disciplinary issues that cost the team the services of Masoli for the fall; neither Nate Costa nor Darron Thomas is as elusive a runner or experienced a college player as Masoli. But if you’ve got to break in a new quarterback, and face playing the opener without James while he’s out serving a one-game suspension, there’s no better circumstance in which to do it than behind such an experienced offensive line.